In addition to his wealth of knowledge specific to plumbing, Barry was also known for his business intelligence and was a respected adviser to many who sought his counsel recalls good friend and fellow Life Member, Bill Durham.
“Barry was a very knowledgeable man across many areas of plumbing and business and someone whom I respected a lot. He was also a very reliable confidant.
We shared a passion for plumbing and the need to provide quality training programs for the generations of plumbers who could take our learnings, like we did the plumbers before us, and build on them to propel our industry into the future.
During my time as President of Master Plumbers I was very keen to get Barry involved with the Association at Board level as it is the people of Barry’s calibre, with a passion for the industry and its development, that enable our industry to grow they way we need it to.”
From humble beginnings as a first-generation plumber, Barry grew his business Coopers Plumbing to employ a team of almost 50 people.
In the later years of business, Barry led his then family-run business into property development where they were able to sustain a very successful and proud period in the business’s history.
“I am full of respect for everything Barry was able to achieve during his career and credit that to the professional way in which he always conducted himself,” said Durham
“Barry was a man of great dignity. He kept a wonderful home with his family, was an immaculate dresser and had amazing people skills. When he spoke, people listened.”
Barry was a distinguished member of the Master Plumbers Association and Major Contractors Division and a passionate advocate for developing the next generation of plumbing professionals, forging a legacy that will remain for many years to come.
Vale Mr Cooper.
